Why water is bent instead of a perfect pyramid
In short: Molecules aren't just flat drawings; they are three-dimensional structures shaped by the invisible forces of electron repulsion.
The shape of a molecule is determined by Electron Pair Repulsion Theory. This principle states that electron pairs—whether they are bonding pairs or lone pairs—repel one another. To reach a stable state, these pairs position themselves as far apart as possible.
For example, a central carbon atom surrounded by four hydrogen atoms forms a tetrahedral shape with bond angles of 109 degrees. However, in water, the presence of two lone pairs creates extra repulsion, pushing the bonding pairs closer together and resulting in a bent or V-shaped molecule with a bond angle of 104 degrees.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: What Shapes Do Simple Molecules Make | Properties of Matter | Chemistry | FuseSchool
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